Athlone Castle’s first 400 years

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Learn about the various stages of the castle’s development, from its construction as a stone fortress to its importance as an administrative stronghold are explored, within this hands-on and interactive exhibition space. Explore the earliest defensive structures in the town of Athlone and learn about the development of Athlone Castle through its first 400 years. The staged development of Athlone Castle is also examined, from its earliest inception as a wooden fortification, the rebuild by the Anglo-Normans and the power struggles that took place over the following four centuries.

Highlights from our Collection

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Armorial Plaque carved in sand stone showing a heraldic symbol of a rampant lion on a shield. This plaque can be seen in the First 400 Years exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
Small silver coins used during the time the stone castle was built in Athlone. One of the coins is broken in half to make a half penny. They can be seen in the First 400 Years exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
A wax impression of the seal of the Cluniac Priory. It shows the Madonna and child on the top half, and the prior saying mass at the altar on the bottom half. This seal is on display in the First 400 Years exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
Armorial Plaque carved in sand stone showing a heraldic symbol of a rampant lion on a shield. This plaque can be seen in the First 400 Years exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
Small silver coins used during the time the stone castle was built in Athlone. One of the coins is broken in half to make a half penny. They can be seen in the First 400 Years exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
A wax impression of the seal of the Cluniac Priory. It shows the Madonna and child on the top half, and the prior saying mass at the altar on the bottom half. This seal is on display in the First 400 Years exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.


“1210: The English bishop that was justiciar and Richard Tuit founded a stone castle at Athlone wherein there was tower built of stone which soon after fell killing the said Richard Tuit and eight other Englishmen’’

Annals of Clonmacnoise


“The building of the bridge of Athlone by his lordship tames all Connacht that they dare not stir in any rebellion’’

State Papers of Ireland 1567